EASY 6-INGREDIENT DESSERT CUPS

 

Why 6-Ingredient Dessert Cups Are a Game-Changer

Simplicity: Just six ingredients means fewer trips to the store, less cost, and minimal hassle.

No-bake friendly: Many versions don’t require an oven — great for hot days or last-minute treats.

Scalable & portable: Perfect for serving guests, making for a party, or prepping ahead.

Customizable: With just a few base ingredients, you can tweak flavor, texture, or toppings easily.

Impressive presentation: Dessert in cups looks elegant but doesn’t have to be fussy.

Recipe #1: 6-Ingredient Rocky Road Cups

One of the most straightforward (and indulgent) 6-ingredient dessert cups comes from Life Made Simple. 

Life Made Simple

Ingredients

Semisweet (or bittersweet) chocolate — enough to melt (they use about 2 cups of chunks) 

Life Made Simple

Roasted peanuts (lightly salted or plain) 

Life Made Simple

Mini marshmallows 

Life Made Simple

Coconut oil (solid is fine) 

Life Made Simple

Vanilla extract (just a small amount) 

Life Made Simple

Sea salt flakes (for that sweet-salty contrast) 

Life Made Simple

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate

Combine the chocolate chunks and the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat on half-power in 30- to 45-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. 

Life Made Simple

Mix-Ins

Once melted, stir in the mini marshmallows, roasted peanuts, and vanilla extract until well coated in chocolate. 

Life Made Simple

Portion into Cups

Spoon or drop the mixture into small dessert cups (paper liners, a muffin tin, or silicone molds all work). 

Life Made Simple

Add Salt

Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cup before chilling to get that sweet-salty balance. 

Life Made Simple

Chill Until Set

Place the cups in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes (or until the chocolate firms up). 

Life Made Simple

Serve or Store

Once set, these can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to ~2 weeks. 

Life Made Simple

Why This Works & What’s Great About It

Texture contrast: Gooey marshmallows + crunchy peanuts + smooth chocolate.

No oven needed: Perfect for quick, last-minute candy-style dessert.

Highly customizable: Swap peanuts for any nut, use dark or milk chocolate, or even add a drizzle of caramel.

Recipe #2: 6-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding Cups (Healthy Version)

If you want something a bit lighter or healthier, the 6-ingredient chocolate pudding cups from Miss Wish are perfect. 

Miss Wish

Ingredients

Ripe avocados (2 medium) 

Miss Wish

Almond milk (1 cup) 

Miss Wish

Maple syrup (¾ cup) 

Miss Wish

Cocoa powder (¾ cup) 

Miss Wish

Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons) 

Miss Wish

Ground cinnamon (¼ teaspoon) 

Miss Wish

Instructions

Blend Everything

Place the avocados, almond milk, maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla, and cinnamon in a food processor or high-speed blender.

Blend until completely smooth and creamy. 

Miss Wish

Portion Out

Divide the mixture into 6 small dessert cups or glasses.

Chill

Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This helps the pudding thicken and firm up. 

Miss Wish

Serve

Before serving, you can optionally top with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Why This Recipe Works

Healthy indulgence: Avocados give creaminess + healthy fats, while maple syrup sweetens it naturally.

Vegan-friendly: No dairy, no eggs.

Rich and satisfying: The cocoa + vanilla + cinnamon create a chocolatey pudding that feels luxurious.

Recipe #3: 6-Ingredient Lotus Biscoff Dessert Cups

A very elegant and layered no-bake dessert, based on a recipe from DIY Joy. 

DIY Joy

Ingredients

Lotus Biscoff biscuits (about 7 oz, plus extra for decoration) 

DIY Joy

Milk (1 ¾ cups) 

DIY Joy

Custard powder (1.5 tablespoons) 

DIY Joy

Sugar (1 tablespoon for the custard) 

DIY Joy

Whipping cream (1 ¾ cups) 

DIY Joy

Sugar for cream (another tablespoon) + pinch vanilla essence or powder 

DIY Joy

Instructions

Make Crumbs

Crush the Lotus Biscoff biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or a bag + rolling pin. 

DIY Joy

Prepare Custard Layer

In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of milk with custard powder until smooth. 

DIY Joy

In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk + sugar, then whisk in the custard mixture. Continue stirring over medium heat until it thickens. Remove from heat. 

DIY Joy

Whip Cream

In another bowl, whip the cream with sugar and a pinch of vanilla until stiff peaks form. 

DIY Joy

Build the Cups

In each dessert cup: add a spoonful of cookie crumbs, then a layer of custard, then another layer of crumbs. 

DIY Joy

Finally pipe or spoon the whipped cream on top. 

DIY Joy

Garnish

Press a Biscoff biscuit piece into the top of each cup; sprinkle some crumbs on top. 

DIY Joy

Chill & Serve

Chill in the fridge for a while so the layers set a bit. Then serve cold.

Why This Works

Texture contrast: Crunch of cookie crumbs + smooth custard + light whipped cream.

Flavor delight: Biscoff has a unique spiced, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy custard.

No-bake, yet elegant: Looks like a classy dessert, but super approachable.

Tips for Making 6-Ingredient Dessert Cups Perfectly

Choose your cups wisely: Use small glasses, mason jars, or dessert cups. Clear cups help show off the layers.

Chilling matters: For all these cups, chilling helps flavors meld and textures set. Don’t skip the refrigeration step.

Layer carefully: For layered recipes (like Biscoff cups), use a spoon or piping bag so the layers are distinct and look pretty.

Toppings: While base recipes are 6 ingredients, feel free to add garnish — chocolate shavings, extra nuts, fruit, etc.

Portion control: Making dessert in cups helps you serve just the right amount — no overindulging.

Serving Ideas & Variations

Rocky Road Cups: Serve as small candy-style treats at parties, or in mini jars for gifts.

Chocolate Pudding Cups: Great for a healthy dessert after dinner or a special snack. Top with berries or coconut flakes.

Biscoff Dessert Cups: Serve at brunch or a more elegant gathering. Add a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Final Thoughts: Why These 6-Ingredient Cups Are a Win

Minimal ingredients but maximum delight: With only six things, you can make something that looks and tastes much more complicated.

Versatility: Whether you want chocolate, nutty, or creamy flavors, there’s a 6-ingredient cup for you.

Beginner-friendly: No advanced skills needed — just mix, layer, chill, and enjoy.

Flexible and fun: You can easily double, tri